The head of Lithuania's Jewish community has warned that the community received three threats to bomb a synagogue and murder Jews, raising serious concerns about inadequate security at Jewish institutions across the country.
Faina Kukliansky, chairwoman of the Lithuanian Jewish Community, said the threats had exposed significant gaps in protection, with synagogues, schools and other community facilities relying on unarmed volunteers who lack the authority of police officers.
Vilnius Old Town
(Photo: BelusUAB / Shutterstock)
Her remarks were published Saturday in an interview with the Russian-language edition of Delfi, in cooperation with Lithuania's ELTA news agency.
"We have already received three threats to blow up the synagogue and kill Jews," Kukliansky said, expressing concern over antisemitism in the country.
According to Kukliansky, security at Jewish institutions is organized largely on a voluntary basis, without firearms or the powers available to law enforcement agencies. She said the community also lacks clear instructions on how to respond when threats are received, including whether a synagogue should temporarily close.
"We protect ourselves, but our security is voluntary. We have neither weapons nor the authority that the police or other institutions responsible for security have," she said.
Kukliansky stressed that the risks extend beyond synagogue worshippers. Jewish community institutions also operate a kindergarten, a school and programs for elderly members.
"Why wait until, God forbid, something happens? It can be prevented," she said, arguing that Jewish communities in other European countries receive stronger protection.
She cited Spain, where armed police officers are stationed outside synagogues, and Germany, where she said Israeli security personnel help protect Jewish community leaders. Some European countries have also introduced specific legal measures to protect Jewish communities, she noted.
Kukliansky called for similar measures in Lithuania, saying authorities should establish clear procedures for handling threats and ensure that community institutions receive adequate protection.
The Jewish community has been working with police and prosecutors, she said, but assistance generally comes only after incidents have occurred rather than through preventive action.
Three cases involving antisemitic incidents are currently under investigation. In one case, a suspect was identified, apologized and paid compensation.
Kukliansky also described repeated incidents of vandalism involving Stars of David and swastikas painted on walls. She praised Justas Laucius, a senior prosecutor in the Vilnius region, for his assistance to the community.
However, she questioned why warnings about potential attacks sometimes reach the community from outside Lithuania rather than through local security authorities.
"Why do the Americans inform us about a threat to blow up the synagogue, while our own authorities know nothing?" she asked.
Kukliansky also urged police to enforce existing laws against antisemitic comments on social media, arguing that more consistent enforcement could address some of the problems.
"We simply need to follow the law, and some of the problems will be solved," she said.
Despite her criticism of security arrangements, Kukliansky praised Lithuania's diplomatic position toward Israel, describing it as appropriate and proportionate.
She also commended the country's response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre, calling Lithuania's stance "very appropriate, proportionate and suited to the situation."